Overview

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be in India on October 8–9, with both leaders slated to deliver keynote addresses at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on October 9, according to India’s foreign ministry.
• Talks will review implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Vision 2035 partnership while engaging industry on AI, digital infrastructure, fintech and cybersecurity.
• The trade pact signed in July offers wide tariff cuts, including UK zero duty on 99.1% of Indian goods, and aligns with a joint aim to lift bilateral trade toward about $120 billion by 2030.
• A 10‑year Defence Industrial Roadmap is set to shift ties toward co‑design, co‑development and co‑production of advanced systems rather than a traditional buyer–seller model.
• India is expected to raise extradition and mobility concerns as the UK pursues tougher immigration and student rules outlined in a 2025 white paper, which could affect professional movement and study-to-work routes.